Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Local Knowledge: ECC's - Tom Kivney

The 2011 505 East Coast Championship is a part of the Buzzards Bay Regatta running August 5-7, sailed out of New Bedford Yacht Club. The Club is located in the picturesque New England Village of Padanaram. Buzzards Bay and the New Bedford Yacht Club are my favorite venue to sail 505's on the East Coast. Great breeze, warm water and a short sail out to the starting line all make this an ideal place to race 505's.

Steve Taylor, former 505 World Champion and local resident, states it best: “if it is clear and sunny there is nothing to stop the thermal it just happens.” In Early August the thermal forms ideal 505 conditions 12-18 kts. You reach out and reach in on the SW breeze. 505's launch from a private beach and lawn right next to the New Bedford Yacht Club.

The Buzzards Bay Regatta (BBR) is one of New England’s largest one design regattas and most famous sailing events. There is a limit of 120 Club 420's that is filled months before the regatta. It is not only a great place to sail 505's, but it is a great show case for the class.

There is plenty to do for family and friends, great beaches and sight seeing. There is plenty of social life at the Club in the evenings.